SFMTA faces $50M shortfall; board weighs non‑transit cuts as public urges saving crossing‑guard program

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency on Feb. 18 told its board of directors it faces a roughly $50 million shortfall for fiscal 2025–26 and options to close the gap that would affect Muni service, neighborhood safety programs and vehicle‑related subsidies.

Chief Financial Officer Breema Hoarder told the board that a combination of lower-than-expected operating grants, reduced parking revenues and some higher-than-forecast closing costs left the agency with a $50 million funding gap in 2025–26. Staff presented three broad ways to close the shortfall: (1) summer Muni service reductions (three scenarios presented at the Feb. 4 meeting), (2) a package of agency program and project reductions that would shift some capital money and cut or delay specific initiatives, and (3) a one‑time draw of $15 million from SFMTA’s reserves. Staff said a mix of the second and third options would minimize immediate rider impacts while still reducing operating costs.

Hoarder said SFMTA already is trimming spending this fiscal year and expects to end FY24–25 near balance after hiring freezes and other controls, but that the…